24.02.09 - ICTR/MILITARY II - CHAMBER JUDGES TO VISIT ALLEGED GENOCIDE SITES IN RWANDA MID APRIL

Arusha, 24 February 2009 (FH) - Trial Chamber II of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), trying four former Rwandan military officers for 1994 genocide, is scheduled to visit the alleges massacre sites in Rwanda on April 15.

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The presiding Judge Joseph Asoka de Silva of Sri Lanka confirmed to Hirondelle Agency Tuesday the pending tour, adding that it may take between three to four days.   

No more details were given.

The defendants in this case are two former Chiefs of Staffs of the Army, General Augustin Bizimungu and that of the Gendarmerie National, Augustin Ndindiliyimana and former Commander of the Reconnaissance Battalion, Major Francois-Xavier Nzuwonemeye and his Deputy, Captain Innocent Sagahautu.

The Chamber had earlier expected to hear testimony from about 10 extra and recalled witnesses but was compelled to adjourn the session last Wednesday, a week before the time allocated, because only four witnesses appeared before the Chamber.

According to the prosecuting counsel Alphonse Van, parties are supposed to submit their closing briefs not later than March 31 and oral arguments are scheduled for three days beginning June 24, this year.

NI/SC/GF

© Hirondelle News Agency